Subsequent to reports coming in to the Ministry of Education of teacher walkouts and non-readiness at some of the nation’s schools, Minister of Education, Anthony Garcia accompanied by Ministry officials on Wednesday 6th September, visited the St Phillip’s Government Primary School and the Hockett Baptist Primary School. The Minister carved time in his schedule today as he stated the importance of seeing first hand some of the concerns that stakeholders were having with schools.

At the St. Phillip’s school, it was found that some maintenance and restoration work needs to be done and the Ministry will be meeting with parents and teachers to discuss the way forward. The work needed at this school was slowed as the Ministry had engaged in an assessment of the infrastructural strength of the facility. With the report received, the Minister has committed to meeting with the school community to plan a phased approach to the repairs needed.

Hockett Baptist was proved to be in a state of readiness for teaching and learning when school reopened on Monday. With some fencing left over by the contractor who was on hand on Monday to complete and remove the material that was seen on site. The material left on the compound did not affect the safety of staff or students. This school received a new perimeter fence, was painted, staff room air conditioned and new water tanks installed as a part of the Laventille/Morvant Initiative.

The Ministry will continue to investigate all reports coming in and find the fastest resolution to avoid any breaks in teaching and learning time.

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For further information please contact the Ministry’s Communications Division at 622-2181.